Author Archive

Ridgefield High School’s Favorite Colleges in 2013

Friday, May 17, 2013 by:Kerry Anne Ducey
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Written by Shane Donnelly
U Conn

by Shane Donnelly, HamletHub Intern

Every year, there are a variety of colleges that the bulk of Ridgefield students apply to. What are the “popular universities ” this year? I met with some folks in the guidance office to find out.

I was informed that a fair amount of seniors are yet to fill out their Naviance surveys. This survey is a tool used by Ridgefield High School to gather statistics regarding the colleges that students will be enrolling in. However, they were able to provide me with a list of colleges that received the most Ridgefield applicants this year. Here are the Top 20:

• University of Connecticut
• Northeastern University
• Pennsylvania State University, University Park
• University of Vermont
• Boston College
• University of Delaware
• University of Massachusetts, Amherst
• Boston University
• Villanova University
• Fordham University
• University of Rhode Island
• Western Connecticut State University
• Quinnipiac University
• Providence College
• Roger Williams University
• Marist College
• James Madison University
• Bucknell University
• University of New Hampshire
• Syracuse University

Please note: This list is not necessarily indicative of where the most Ridgefield students enroll; rather, it is a list of the most popular schools they apply to. In this sense, this list is preliminary to one to come that will consist of the top schools that Ridgefield students enroll at. Stay tuned (and complete your Naviance survey if you’re a student!).

Third Saturdays at The Aldrich Inspires Young Minds to Think Outside of the Lines

Saturday, April 20, 2013 by:Kerry Anne Ducey
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Aldrich Family 1
Aldrich Family
Aldrich family 2
Aldrich Family 5
Aldrich Family 4
Family Art 1

 

A two year old pondering the abstract nature of art that has been created using the mundane ballpoint pen? Yup.

 

Michelle Friedman, Youth and Family Programs for The Aldrich, and Extreme Draw On! intern, Angela Rountos, encouraged children aged 2 through 10, to dig deep into the meaning and technique of the The Ballpoint Pen Drawing and Robert Longo’s “Capitol Project”, both part of the museum’s Extreme Draw On! program.

 

After exploring the galleries, learning about the artists along with their medium and missions, the children were led into the Education Center, given an array of materials, and asked to create illustrations inside of books (provided by The Aldrich).

 

“We try to provide open-ended learning and to get the children to use critical and creative thinking,” explains Friedman.

 

Mission accomplished. “We’ll be back every month for this event. We love it,” said Aimee Katz of Eastchester, NY, who attended today’s program with her husband and two daughters. “Every second of this program was engaging and interesting,” she added.

 

Aldrich Education Director, Tracy Moore, reminds families that they need not wait until the Third Saturday events to visit the museum. “Our Education Center is open to all families, all weekend long.”

 

Read more about Third Saturdays: Family Art Experiences at The Aldrich, here.

 

 

The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum offers families a delightfully creative way to spend Saturday

Thursday, April 18, 2013 by:Kerry Anne Ducey
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Third Saturday at The Aldrich

Third Saturdays: Family Art Experiences at The Aldrich

Bringing the museum exhibits to the fingertips of children, while encouraging families to explore, imagine, and create together is whatThe Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum has designed the Third Saturday of the month for.

“The Aldrich is a place where families can come and learn and play together,” explains Aldrich Education Director, Tracy Moore.

Between the hours of 10am and 3pm, two museum exhibits, Ballpoint Pen Drawing and Robert Longo’s “Capital Project”, will be brought to life as Aldrich educator Michelle Friedman engages families in a series of artfully inspired, hands-on activities, encouraging attendees to dig deeper into the exhibits.

“This Saturday’s event coincides with the Museum’s Extreme Draw On! program which is not only sponsored by the Sendak foundation, but is a tribute to local author, Maurice Sendak,” explains Moore. “We will be reading some books-  Ish by Peter Reynolds and a book by Maurice Sendak,” she adds.

The comprehensive two hour workshops include exploration of the galleries and gallery games, playtime, reading, a collaborative family art activity, and even some snacks.

“The morning workshop (10am-noon), is skewed slightly for the younger kids and the afternoon session is geared toward older kids,” explains Moore. But, she assures, “Families should feel free to drop in when it works in their schedules. They can join at any point and have a really rich experience.”

Expect to look at a ballpoint pen a bit differently after spending this coming Saturday at The Aldrich. “Our educator will have families draw with their eyes closed, she will get them to really think about drawing and see this everyday object as an art making tool,”  she explains.

For those children or adults who prefer creative independence, ”We have a materials bar which is a buffet of art making materials for those who don’t want to participate in the facilitated work going on,” says Moore.

Admission to the museum is free for members. For non-members, there is a $10 charge for adults. Children under 18 are free. There is no additional fee for the workshop.

Moore reminds families that they need not wait until the Third Saturday events to visit the museum. “Our Education Center is open to all families, all weekend long.”

This coming Saturday, April 20, It’s time to get creative, together.

 *photo credit: The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum

PTP of Ridgefield Announces “Freedom to Lose”

Monday, April 8, 2013 by:Kerry Anne Ducey
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Written by Chris Carlson
Freedom to Lose

PTP of Ridgefield is offering the “Freedom to Lose”

Are you tired of feeling overweight and overwhelmed? Do you feel like you can’t seem to get a hold of your own health? Are you ready to take back your life?

Take a deep breath and keep reading because this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to change your life with the guidance and support of top professionals in their field.

The best part?  You will be doing it for yourself and a local charity, and it is all for FREE.

To Apply:

1.Send email to  ptpofridgefield@gmail.com

2. Call 203.431.4787

3.Stop in at PTP of Ridgefield at  105 Danbury Road

Personal Training Professionals of Ridgefield is looking for a Ridgefield resident who is overweight and ready to take back their life.  With the full force of PTP’s personal training and nutrition, with the added bonus of access to the wonderful special services that local companies in Ridgefield are setting up specifically for you.  It is all for you and it is all free.

So take those old, tired excuses:

  • I’ve tried this all before
  • I don’t have time to be healthy
  • I don’t know what to do at the gym
  • I eat just fine but I never seem to lose weight
  • I can’t afford this

And trade them in for:

  • A fully designed and personal PTP Fitness plan, including personal training sessions
  • A fully designed and personal PTP Meal Plan, including one-on-one nutritional guidance
  • The full support of our team professionals in a positive, welcoming and respectful atmosphere
  • MANY rewards and added bonuses from local companies along the way

Highlights:

  • World class personal trainers and fitness facility
  • Full nutritional intake, including blood work, measurements, health assessment and meal design
  • Nutritionist accompanied grocery store shopping spree
  • Workout shoes and workout gear especially selected for you
  • Lunch/dinner at various Ridgefield establishments to help establish best dining out choices
  • New clothes to reward you for every size you drop
  • Massage and Chiropractic adjustments to help fine tune your body
  • Goal achieving makeover
  • The chance to couple with a local charity to help raise money while you lose pounds
  • And many, many more exciting rewards and support from local Ridgefield companies

So what are you waiting for? We’re all in this together.  It’s the Freedom To Lose and it’s all yours.

To Apply:

1.Send email to ptpofridgefield@gmail.com

2. Call 203.431.4787

3.Stop in at PTP of Ridgefield at  105 Danbury Road

CT Press Club Awards HamletHub Two Writing Distinctions

Friday, April 5, 2013 by:Kerry Anne Ducey
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Written by:
The HamletHub Team
ct logo

We are pleased to announce that The CT Press Club has awarded HamletHub two writing distinctions for 2012.

For her lyrical and fabulously popular “Love Notes” pieces, contributor Stephanie K. Hopkins took second place in the “Columns—Personal Opinion” category for “People Who Need People” and “The Art of Losing.”

In the “Specialty Articles—Reviews” category, our Westport editor Sally Allen received Honorable Mention for her thought-provoking pieces, “Movie Review: Hugo” and “In Which Curiosity Wins, and I Read The Hunger Games”

Congratulations Stephanie and Sally!

We also wish to thank you, our readers, for your continued support of our mission and all our hard-working and passionate editors and writers for their commitment to sharing local voices and stories.

If you haven’t read these fantastic winning entries, you can do so by following the links below:

Love Notes: People Who Need People

Love Notes: The Art of Losing

Movie Review: Hugo

In Which Curiosity Wins, and I Read The Hunger Games

Vote for HamletHub in 2 Categories in the Best of Fairfield County Readers’ Poll! Hurry! Polls Close in 2 Days!

Friday, March 22, 2013 by:Kerry Anne Ducey
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Best of 2013

VOTE HERE!

We are thrilled that HamletHub was nominated in two categories in the Best of Fairfield County Readers’ Poll 2013. Now, we want to WIN! We can only earn the bragging rights with YOUR help! Here’s how it works:

  • Click here to be directed to the Best of Fairfield County Readers Poll
  • HamletHub is in the Media/Education section under Best Hyperlocal Blog and Best Local Blogger.

How To Vote (courtesy of Best of FCRP)

1) Fill in the information in the voter registration box to the left, then click “Vote” in order to begin.

2) After you have registered, you will be taken to the voting page. Select a section (Bars & Clubs, Restaurants, etc.) and vote in whatever categories you choose. Popular choices are provided in a drop-down menu. You may write in a new choice by selecting the “Write in a new choice” option in the drop-down. Please check to see if your choice already exists in the drop-down menu before entering a write-in vote.

3) Do not vote for a business in a category for which it does not apply. These votes will not be counted.

4) You have the option of leaving a comment along with any or all of your votes. Comments are optional. We’ll use some of your comments when we put together our Best of Fairfield County Winners’ issue later this year!

5) When you have entered your votes in any section, hit the “Submit and Continue” button to move to the next section. Once you have hit this button, you can no longer go back, so make sure you are done voting in that section. You must hit “Submit and Continue” in order for your votes to be counted. You can skip sections if you wish.

6) When you are all done voting, hit the “Finalize Ballot” button. This will submit your ballot to us. Make sure you are satisfied with your choices before finalizing the ballot.

7) You must vote in 10 categories before you can submit your ballot.

Voting Rules:

1) One ballot per person.

2) Online ballots must be submitted by 11:59pm EST on March 24th, 2013. After this time voting will be closed.

3) While campaigning for Best Of honors is fair game, inducing your fans or patrons to vote through anything that might be constructed as a payoff could result in your disqualification. Asking for votes: fine. Giving someone ANYTHING in exchange for their vote: not fine, as it taints the vote.

4) If it looks like any company is stuffing the ballots we toss all your entries.

5) We only count ballots from this website and paper ballots from the Fairfield County Weekly. If you prefer to submit a paper ballot, one can be found inside this week’s Fairfield County Weeklynewspaper. You may not submit a paper ballot and an online ballot.

TIME TO VOTE! THANKS FOR BEING A LOYAL READER!

The community rallies behind Team26 as they begin their journey to Washington D.C.

Saturday, March 9, 2013 by:Kerry Anne Ducey
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Team 26 Jim Himes John Frey
Team 26
Team 26 stephen

Congressman Jim Himes joined Team26 as they cycled from Sandy Hook to Ridgefield today.

More than 100 people gathered outside of Veterans Park School today to show their support for Team26. Lead by Monte Frank, 26 area cyclists will ride 400 miles to Washington D.C. in support of common sense gun legislation. Biking with Team 26 as they journeyed from Sandy Hook to Ridgefield for today’s rally, were Congressman Jim Himes and a Newtown Police Officer who was one of the first responders on December 14, 2012.

Himes, who called the bikers his ‘twenty-six new friends,” said, “What these riders are doing is symbolic of the perseverance and strength of us all.”

In addition to Congressman Jim Himes, First Selectman Rudy Marconi, State Rep John Frey, Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton and Bethel First Selectman, Matt Knickerbocker were in attendance.

Marconi opened the ceremony. “We all know why we are here,” he said. “Each and everyone of us needs to play a role in this. Tell your friends and talk about this. Getting legislation passed in Washington is a grassroots effort that begins with each of you,” he added.

“This event is about building compassionate communities,” said Mayor Boughton. “All of us are pitching in together so we can be one voice,” he added.

Frey spoke to the crowd as his nieces and nephew, who attend Sandy Hook Elementary, stood alongside him. “We all became residents of Newtown on that day.” “Schools need to be a sanctuary- a safe haven for our kids,” he added.

The 26 cyclists will meet up with the cycling team from Virginia Tech and they will join forces and head to Washington in solidarity.

“Let’s ride for each one of those kids for a safer and more peaceful nation,” said Monte Frank who then named each of the 26 who died in the Newtown tragedy.

Keep Team26 in your thoughts and prayers. They will be in New Jersey by days end and then continue on to Washington tomorrow. The cyclists are scheduled to arrive back town on Tuesday.

Photo shows Team26, Congressman Jim Himes in center with head down.

Photo 2 shows Deborah, Stephen and David Badger. Stephen (center) is on Team26. His wife is a school psychologist in Sherman and helped council Newtown students.

Robert Vaughn is host of documentary about ROAR which debuted at ROAR with Laughter

Monday, February 25, 2013 by:Kerry Anne Ducey
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Written by William Adler
William Robert Vaughn

Robert Vaughn was on-camera host of a short documentary about ROAR directed by Chris King and produced by William Adler, which debuted at ROAR with Laughter, the main fundraiser each year for the Ridgefield Operation for Animal Rescue. It was held Saturday night, Feb. 23, at BMW at Ridgefield, which turned over its entire space to ROAR.

In all, almost 300 people turned out on a rainy night for live and silent auctions, comedy and mingling.  Robert Vaughn was present for the debut of his documentary short on ROAR.  The theme was “We are Family,” focusing on the many ways that ROAR gives back to the Ridgefield and area communities – including Therapy Dogs who help children with reading and visit the elderly in nursing homes.

pictured l-r: William Adler and Robert Vaughn

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